Following the court hearing of journalist, Mr. Khawar Mehdi Rizvi, in December 2004, it was reported that he has been released.

Mr. Rizvi was first produced in court on 26 January 2004, after the Pakistan authorities denied his arrest and detention since December 2003 when he was found missing with French journalists who were arrested at Quetta. Hotline Asia issued UA040106(1) to support his family and local rights groups' efforts to call for his release and for the respect of freedom of expression.

Source:
Local Source

Journalist, Khawar Mehdi Rizvi's case was heard on 22 November 2004 in the Anti-terrorist court in Quetta, Pakistan. The court asked for the news clipping, which covered Mr. Rizvi's news, by a journalist of the newspaper. The journalist could not make up to the court in Quetta due to pre occupation. The next hearing of the case is scheduled on 14 December 2004.

Mr. Rizvi had been missing since two French journalists with whom he was working were arrested in December 2003. While authorities denied that he had been arrested or detained, he was shown on a state-owned television program. He was later produced in court on 26 January 2004. Please refer to UA040106(1) and subsequent updates for more information.

Source:
Local Source

According to the anti-terrorist court, charges of conspiracy and sedition against Mr. Khawar Mehdi have been dropped. However, he will be tried under Section 11W/A of Pakistan Penal Code for providing facility to others / foreigners for terrorism or sectarianism within the country.

The next hearing will take place on 17 August 2004 where more witnesses are expected to be produced in court.

Mr. Khawar Mehdi Rizvi, has been missing since the 16 December 2003 arrest of two French journalists, whom he traveled with in a visit to Quetta. Hotline Asia issued UA040106(1) to urge for his release.

Source:
Hotline Pakistan

According to the information received, journalist Khawar Mehdi Rizvi was produced in court on 26 January 2004. The two days remand given to the police has been extended and further decisions are expected on 30 January.

The local source would like to thank you for your support in this case, and encourage letters to continue to be sent to authorities. Please keep posted in case further action is needed.

Mr. Rizvi has been missing since two French journalists with whom he was working with, were arrested in December 2003. While authorities denied that he had been arrested or detained, he was shown on a state-owned television program which alleged that helped in making a video, which defamed Pakistan. Please refer to UA040106(1) for more information.

Source: National Justice and Peace Commission